Limassol will host this year’s European Maritime Day (EMD) on May 21 and 22, 2026, bringing together policymakers, businesses, researchers and other maritime stakeholders from across Europe for two days of talks, workshops and networking focused on maritime affairs and the sustainable blue economy.  

The annual event is being organised by the European Commission, the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Limassol municipality, and will take place at the Carob Mill in Limassol’s old town, with additional workshop sessions due to be held in nearby venues.  

According to the official programme, the event will feature an opening session with addresses by European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.  

It will also include high-level panel discussions, an exhibition for organisations and companies active in the blue economy, and 24 workshops involving maritime stakeholders.  

The exhibition is expected to give participants from across the maritime and blue economy sectors an opportunity to present their activities, services and projects, while the wider event is aimed at representatives from business, government, public institutions, NGOs and academia.  

In parallel with the conference and exhibition, local events are also planned in coastal cities for the wider public, with activities intended to raise awareness of the role of the sea and the benefits linked to maritime and coastal development.  

EMD is the European Union’s flagship annual event on maritime affairs and the sustainable blue economy, and the 2026 edition in Cyprus will be held in the context of the country’s EU Council presidency. The plenary sessions will also be livestreamed.  

Registration for the event is already open, while applications for exhibition space are being accepted until April 16, following an extension to the original deadline.